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Media Release - Township of Muskoka Lakes Approves 2019 Budget

Media Release
For Immediate Release
February 15, 2019

Township of Muskoka Lakes Approves 2019 Budget

MUSKOKA LAKES – On Friday, February 15, 2019 the Council of the Township of Muskoka Lakes approved the 2019 operating and capital budgets. The budget process began on January 22, 2019 with a Special Meeting of Committee of the Whole for budget introduction. A Special Meeting of Council was held in the evening on February 5, 2019 to receive community input. The budget was approval by Council at a Regular Meeting of Council on Friday, February 15, 2019.

The Township of Muskoka Lakes funding requirement continues to be the smallest portion of the total property tax bill (20%). The District Municipality of Muskoka (52%) and the School Boards (28%) retain the larger components of the total amount levied.

The 2019 budget has a net levy of $12,027,806.00, which represents a 5.96% increase over the prior year. The levy for the 2019 budget consists of an operating levy increase of 0.96% and a capital levy increase of 5.00%. The approved budget will have no impact on current service levels.

For every $100,000 in assessment, tax payers will pay $122.72; an increase of $2.58 over 2018. This represents a 2.15% increase in the residential tax rate from the previous year.

As in 2018, the budget includes a 5.00% dedicated capital levy. This policy which commenced in 2017 and is reviewed annually by Council, will increase discretionary reserve levels and will continue the strategic path to increase reserves in order to maintain Township infrastructure and service levels.

The increase in the 2019 operating budget over the 2018 final operating budget is due to new projects/initiatives such as Council meeting webcasting, new Township website, cyber security, asset management system and new Planner/GIS Technician full-time position.

“I am appreciative of the efforts of staff in every department and Council to bring in an extremely responsible budget,” says Mayor Harding. “Firstly the general operating budget is up less than 1% over last year, however included in 2019, Council increased this number with an extra 5% dedicated capital amount, to be added directly to reserves. The combined 5.96% total budget increase showcases the new Council’s ability to listen to the Public, plan for the future and work together to manage complexities of the budget within a changing economy.”

View a copy of the 2019 budget HERE. View a copy of the 2019 budget highlights HERE.